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H.R.854 / 116th Congress

Humanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Official summary

Version 53 · Passed House · Mar 25, 2019

Humanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019

This bill directs the Department of State to report to Congress a long term strategy for coordinating the provision of humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans both in Venezuela and in other parts of the Western Hemisphere and authorizes the President to provide humanitarian aid to such individuals. The strategy shall cover topics including how to provide public health commodities, food, and technical assistance. It shall also describe (1) current and anticipated challenges to distributing humanitarian assistance in Venezuela and elsewhere, and (2) how the United States is coordinating efforts with other countries.

The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on the impact of U.S. assistance for Venezuelans throughout the Western Hemisphere.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Mucarsel-Powell, Debbie [D-FL-26] · D–FL

Committees

  • Foreign Relations Committee
  • Foreign Affairs Committee
14 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  2. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2769-2770)

  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H2769-2770)

  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 854.

  6. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2769-2771)

  7. Mr. Sires moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules.

  9. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  10. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  11. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  12. Introduced in House

  13. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.854 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.854 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.854 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.854 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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